Inferring evolutionary responses of Anolis carolinensis introduced into the Ogasawara archipelago using whole genome sequence data

Introduced populations of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, exhibit longer hindlimb lengths compared to their native Florida counterparts, suggesting rapid adaptive evolution despite a small founder population. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the effective population size at introduction was less than 50 individuals, yet standing genetic variation persisted, enabling adaptation to nonnative environments. The study identified five candidate genes potentially under selection using SweeD and Tajima's D, π, and FST analyses, highlighting the role of pre-existing genetic diversity in facilitating adaptive responses in invasive species.

Tamate, S., Iwasaki, W. M., Krysko, K. L., Camposano, B. J., Mori, H., Funayama, R., Nakayama, K., Makino, T., & Kawata, M. (2017). Inferring evolutionary responses of Anolis carolinensis introduced into the Ogasawara archipelago using whole genome sequence data. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17852-7